The First Week of Great Lent
"My Soul My Soul Arise! Why Are You Sleeping? Awake Then and Be Watchful, That Christ our God May Spare You, for He is Everywhere and Fills All Things!"
The Canon of St. Andrew
The first week of Great Lent began with The Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the Evening Compline Service, which was done by candlelight. The imagery and power of this ancient service helps us get into a proper mindset as we enter into the season of repentance.
Orthodoxy Sunday
On the first Sunday of Great Lent, we were blessed with some sunshine. After Divine Liturgy, we processed outside with all of our icons to celebrate Orthodoxy Sunday, which commemorates the restoration of icons to Christianity in the 9th Century.
Orthodox Clean Week
With services every day of the first week of Lent, some traditions call this first week Clean Week. This prepares our souls and hearts for the journey that we will all make with Christ towards Golgotha and His Glorious Resurrection.